Sony CD-MS515, ICD-MS515VTP, ICD-ST10, ICD-ST10VTP, ICD-P17 User guide

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DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER PRODUCT INFORMATION RESOURCE GUIDE
Publication: Version 1.0 May 2003

This document was written to provide answers to many common questions that
individuals may have about the Sony digital voice recorders. Although the devices
are small in size, they are powerful personal as well as effective business tools
with many capabilities if used in the proper manner.

The Guide is divided into sections to make it easy to obtain the answers to each
subject area. If there is a question that y ou have about Sony’s digital voice
recorders and it is not answered in this document, please do not hesitate to
contact Sony by e-mail at “[e-mail]”.

The Guide will include information on the individual models that are currently in
the product line. The models covered are:

ICD-MS515 & ICD-MS515VTP
ICD-ST10 & ICD-ST10VTP
ICD-P17
ICD-B17
ICD-B7
FS-85USB (covered in the Transcription Section)

INTRODUCTION
NEW FOR 2003
SECTION A: Specifications
SECTION B: Controls, Jacks and Connections
SECTION C: LCD Display
SECTION D: Recording Modes
SECTION E: PC Connectivity
SECTION F: Battery Life and Alternate Power Sources
SECTION G: Recording Techniques
SECTION H: Digital Voice Editor Software
SECTION I: Transcoding
SECTION J: Spec ial Recorder Functions
SECTION K: Voice to Print
SECTION L: E-mail (audible)
SECTION M: CODECS
SECTION N: PC Requirements and Compatibility
SECTION O: Recorder Set -Up
SECTION P: Software Upgrades
SECTION Q: Transcription
SECTION R: Glossary

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INTRODUCTION

The Digital Voice Recorder is a relatively new device having matured from a simple 15
second low quality recording to a sophisticated PC connectable business tool with hours
of recording capability. This exciting device brought many new features and functions
which are not available with analog (cassette based) products.

Long Recording Time: the largest recommended length of a standard business

cassette is 45 minutes per side. Now with digital

technology, more than 5 hours of high quality recording is
available.

Individual Files: each dictation is a separate recording with its own date and time.
The advantage is that each recording can be accessed,
listened to, new information can be added, and the
recording can be deleted without affecting other

recordings.

Overwrite Function: although the analog user could rewind and dictate over the
previous recording, if the new dictation was shorter
on length than the dictation being talked over, there
would remain parts of the old dictation which would
confuse the transcriptionist. With digital voice recorders,
when the user listens through the last correct word and

then overwrites, the old dictation in that document from
that point onward is automatically erased resulting in a
perfectly corrected document.

High Quality Audio: digital technology provides a very high quality recording

without any motor noise

Small Compact Lightweight Design: much smaller and lighter than a tape

recorder. There’s no excuse not to slip one in your
pocket so it’s ready when you need it.

Insert and Delete: additional material can be inserted in the middle of a
previously recorded dictation without losing any
of the original material. Also, material can be
deleted leaving the good dictation in place.

PC Connectivity: dictation can be downloaded to the PC and various
actions can take place including transcription, file
storage and e-mailing.

dictation can be e-mailed back to the office or to an
outside transcription service for processing. The
traditional cassette based transcribing machine
has been replaced by the PC as the transcriber.

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Voice To Print: dictation can be automatically converted into text using a
high quality software such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Preferred from Scansoft, Inc.

These are just a few of the many things that can be done with the new exciting digital
voice recorder products which are available from Sony.

WHO CAN USE A DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER

Although the analog cassette recorder continues to serve as an important business tool,
the new digital voice recorders, because of their many new and improved capabilities,
have revitalized and expanded the use of recording devices. It’s hard to identify an
occupation area that cannot use one of these devices in some way or another. Here are
just a few:

Accounting
Architecture
Chemistry
Construction
Education
Engineering
Fireman
House Manager
Insurance
Law Enforcement
Legal
Medical
News
Nursing
Sales
Science
Transportation

These devices are used to: make notes, provide information, provide instructions,
remember details, give directions, dictate memos and letters, generate reports and
anything else that can be done with the user’s voice. The material that is recorded is
timely, detailed and available for review in an audible format that is easy to understand.

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ICD

-

MS515 and ICD

-

MS515VTP

Memory Stick Digital Voice Recorder

ICD

-

ST10 and ICD

-

ST10VTP

ICD

-

P17

ICD

-

B17

ICD

-B7

FS-85USB

USB Connectivity or Memory Stick
Record Time (8 MB Memory Stick): 64 min SP,
171 min. LP

PC Compatible with USB Connectivity
Stereo Recording Mode

Record Time: 41 min ST, 125 min SP, 334 min LP

PC Compatible with USB Connectivity
Record Time: 278 min.

5 Files

Record Time: 300 min
2 Files

Record Time: 150 min.
2 Files

Digital Voice Recorder PC Based Transcription Kit
Includes: CD-ROM, USB Connected Foot Control,

Professional Style Chin Band Listening Device

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NEW FOR 2003

Digital Voice Editor Software 2.1:
One common software for all PC connected models
Having a separate voice editor software for each model made it difficult

to learn the operation of the PC connectivity function when different digital
recorder models were being used. In some office situations, authors used
different Sony recorders, which required the office administration staff to
learn the various voice editor software versions. The look and operation
of each version was slightly different . Now there is only one common
Digital Voice Editor software GUI (Graphical Unit Interface) design ,the
new v2.12 which will be shipped with all DVR models beginning in May.

Larger Display

Increasing the size of the playback control section and the character font
made it easier to see and control the operation

Built-in PC Keyboard Controlled Transcription function

Using the F Keys (Function Keys) on the computer keyboard, the
playback of the audio can be controlled for Play, Stop, Rewind and Fast
Forward as well as a secretarial automatic rewind function. The choice of
which key performs a specific function can be customized in the software.

Plays .msv, .dvf, .wav, mp3 files
The new software allows the user to play files which have been recorded

in .msv, .dvf, .wav or .mp3 without having to convert them. This means
that when a dictation has been e-mailed back to the offic e in the .dvf
format, for example, the file can be played without converting it into .wav

at the office if the person has the digital voice editor software on their PC.

Batch CODEC Conversion

Previously, when someone e-mailed the dictation to another location, they
kept the file in the original compressed format to speed up the
transmission. Unfortunately, however, when multiple dictations were sent,
the person receiving the work had to convert each file individually into the
desired format to enable them to listen and transcribe. With the new
Batch Conversion Feature, all the similar type file formats can be
highlighted and converted into the desired format at one time.

Digital Pitch Control
This feature allows the audio to be speeded up or slowed down without

affecting the pitch of the playback which makes the playback more
pleasant to listen to.

Simplified E-Mail Process
The process has been improved making it easier to attach dictation to an
e-mail by allowing up to 10 dictations to be attached to a single e-mail in
one step directly from the digital voice recorder or Memory Stick.

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New PC Connected Model : ICD-P17
278 Minutes of Recording Time: more than enough time to record a full day of

classes or notes.
Overwrite Function on the ICD-P17

This professional dictation feature found on higher priced models allows
the user to listen through the last correct word of the recording in
playback and then press the Record button. All the dictation from that
point is automatically erased and replaced with the new dictation.

NOTE: you cannot have the Overwrite Function and the Add Record
function activated at the same time.

5 Message Folders: allows different types of dictation to be placed in
separate folders

USB Connectivity: Designed for USB1.0. It will work with USB2.0, just at the
USB1.0 speed.

Add Record Function: At any time in playback the user can press the Record
button and new dictation is added at the end of the original recording

automatically.
Author Name: the name of the user can be part of the file structure so that every

dictation from that specific recorder includes the user name. This function
is activated using the ICD-P17 connected to the PC with the USB cable
with the Digital Voice Editor software.

New Digital Voice Recorder with Stereo Recording: ICD-ST10
Up to 334 minutes of recording time: Stereo 41 min. SP 125 min LP 334 min.

Built-In Rolling Directional Stereo Microphone
The microphone can be positioned in 3 settings. 90 degrees, 45 degrees

from the body of the recorder and parallel with the body of the recorder
for various recording situations.

90 Degrees

45 Degrees

Parallel to the recorder

External Stereo Mic Jack: to connect an external stereo microphone
External Stereo Earphone Jack: allows the use of a stereo listening device

Directional Mic Function:

For improved conference and lecture recording. Activated in the SP and
LP modes, it narrows the recording pick -up field focusing on the sound
coming from approximately 45 degrees to either side of the unit.

Record / Pause Control:

Allows the user to operate one control to dictate and pause while
recording. Press Record to dictate and then press the same button to
Pause. To continue recording press the Record button again. When
finished with the dictation just press the Stop button.

DPC Function: -50% to +100%

Playback the recording at various speeds without distortion

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Hi / Med / Low Microphone Sensitivity:

Adjust the microphone sensitivity according to the situation

?? Low for Dictation
?? Med for small meetings and hands free operation
?? High for conferences and lectures

Transcription Kit FS-85USB with USB Connected Foot Control

Includes MDR-U10M Stereo Type Chin Band style listening device and Digital
Voice Editor SW 2.1

-Transcribe dictation in .dvf, .msv, .wav, and mp3 formats without converting

-Using an optional stereo listening device, the audio separation when the
recording was in the stereo mode can be heard

-Batch file conversion

-Digital Pitch Control

VTP Bundle with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred v 7.0

-the high quality recording of the Sony Digital Voice Recorders enables some of
them to be bundled with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred voice to
print software.

-the benefit of using a digital voice recorder as the source for the dictation is that

the recording can be done wherever and whenever it needs to be done.

-it’s important that the user file, the file that the voice to print software uses to
create a sample of your voice, is made on the Sony digital voice recorder.
In this way, when dictation is uploaded to the PC and processed with the
Dragon Naturally Speaking software, the recognition rate will be
increased.

-the models that are bundled with Dragon software are the ICD-ST10 and the
ICD-MS515

NEW v. 7.0 FEATURES

?? Automatically add contact names from e-mail address books
?? Natural punctuation
?? Vocabulary Optimizer to improve accuracy
?? Text read back

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SECTION A: Specifications

Note: Specifications are subject to change.
ICD-B7

HWD: 4-1/7” x 1-3/4” x 5/9” (105.3 x 44.5 x 14 mm)
Weight: 2.4oz (68 grams)
Recording Time: up to 150 minutes
File Folders: 2
Maximum # of Messages: 198
Battery Life: Record-10 hours Play-8 hours
Flash Memory Size: 8MB
CODEC: TRC (Triple Rate Codec)
Speaker Size: 1-1/4” (32mm)
Sampling Frequency: 8KHz
Power Output: 150mW

ICD-B17

HWD: 4-1/7” x 1-3/4” x 5/9” (105.3 x 44.5 x 14 mm)
Weight: 2.4oz (68 grams)
Recording Time: up to 300 minutes
File Folders: 2
Maximum # of Messages: 198
Battery Life: Record-10 hours Play-8 hours
Flash Memory Size: 16MB
CODEC: TRC (Triple Rate Codec)
Speaker Size: 1-1/4” (32mm)
Sampling Frequency: 8KHz
Power Output: 150mW

ICD-P17

HWD: 4-1/7” x 1-3/4” x 5/9” (105.3 x 44.5 x 14 mm)
Weight: 2.4 oz (68 grams)
Recording Time: up to 278 minutes
File Folders: 5
Maximum # of Messages: up to 495
Battery Life: Record-10 hours Playback -8 hours
Flash Memory Size: 16MB
CODEC: TRC (Triple Rate Codec)
Speaker Size: 1-1/4” (32mm)
Sampling Frequency: 8KHz
Power Output: 250 mW
PC Connectivity: Digital Voice Editor v2.12

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ICD-ST10

HWD: 4” x 1-5/8” x 5/9” ( 103.6 x 41.5 x 13.3 mm)
Weight: 2.54 oz (72 grams)
Recording Time: STEREO- 41 min. SP-125 min LP-334 min.
File Folders: 5
Maximum # of Messages: up to 495
Battery Life:

Flash Memory Size: 16MB
CODEC: LPEC
Speaker Size: 1-1/9” (28mm)
Sampling Frequency: ST-44.1kHz, SP-16kHz, LP-8kHz
Power Output: 350 mW
PC Connectivity: Digital Voice Editor v2.12

ICD-MS515

HWD: 4” X 1-3/8” X 23/32” (106.3 X 34.1 X 18 mm)
Weight: 75g (2.65 oz)
Recording Time: 64 minutes (SP), 171 minutes (LP)
File Folders: up to 340
Maximum # of Messages: up to 965
Battery Life: Record 10 (SP)12 hours (LP), Playback 12 hours
Memory Stick Size & Capacity:
8MB included. Can use up to a 128 MB Memory Stick
CODEC: LPEC
Speaker Size: 29/32”
Sampling Frequency: SP-16KHz, LP-11KHz
Power Output: 200mW
PC Connectivity: Digital Voice Editor v2.12

Record ST-10 hours, SP-12 hours, LP-14.5 hours
Playback ST-6.5 hours, SP-7.5 hours, LP-8.5 hours

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SECTION B: Controls, Jacks and Connections

PRODUCT INFORMATION CHART
ICD-B7 ICD-B17 ICD-P17 ICD-ST10 ICD-MS515

Jacks &
Connections

Earphone Jack

3.5mm
Stereo Earphone
Jack 3.5mm
Plug- In Power
Microphone Jack

3.5mm
Stereo
Microphone Jack

3.5mm
USB

Memory Stick Slot

Controls &

O O O O O
O
O O O O O

O

O O O
O

Buttons

A-B Repeat
Bookmark
Digital Pitch

Control
Directional Mic
Function
Display

Divide Use Index Button Use Index Button Use Index Button
Eject
Erase
Folder

Hold
Index
Jog Lever
Menu Button

Mic Sensitivity
Multi-Function

Control
Operation LED

Pause
Playback Speed

Control
Priority

Record / Stop
Record / Pause
Stop
Volume

O O O O
O O
O O

O
O O O

In Menu In Menu

O
O
O O O O O
O O O

Using Multi-

Function Control

Using Multi­Function Control

O O O O O
O O O O
O O O
O O O

O O O

Using Multi-

Function Control

In Menu In Menu

Using Multi­Function Control

O O
O O O O O

O O O O O
O O

DPC DPC

O O
O O O
O O
O O O O O
O O O O O

Definition / Explanation:
Jacks & Connections:

Earphone Jack: allows an external earphone to be connected to

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the recorder.
Stereo Earphone Jack: identified by the green color around the
connection indicates that a stereo type listening device can
be connected providing stereo sound.
Plug-In Power Microphone Jack: allows the use of a battery powered
external microphone without inserting the battery in the external
mic. This eliminates the concern about not recording because the

battery lost power in the external mic or they forgot to insert it.
Stereo Microphone Jack: identified by a red color around the connection
point identifies the ability to use an external stereo microphone
if the recorder is set in the stereo recording mode.

USB: connection allows the use of the USB cable which comes with the

recorder to be connected between the recorder and the PC. This

enables the Digital Voice Editor software to read the contents
of the recorder and transfer dictation to the PC.

MEMORY STICK SLOT: to insert the Memory Stick into the recorder. The

recorder can use either the white or the blue Memory Sticks.

Controls/Buttons:
A-B Repeat: in playback, point “A”, the starting point and point

“B”, the ending point can be marked and the playback will
continue to play and replay the recording contained between
these two points until you press the PLAY button or the
STOP button.

BOOKMARK: allows a specific point in each dictation to be marked
for easy access at a later time.

Book Mark Icon

a long recording the user has to stop listening and dictate some
notes. Once they leave the playback and begin dictating, the next
time they access the recording they were listening to without the

For example, while listening to

Bookmark, they would be at the beginning of the recording, not

where they stopped listening. By placing a Bookmark (press and

hold the Bookmark button for more than one second) an indicator

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will be seen on the LCD screen. To start playback at the

bookmarked point, press the Jog lever up or down during stop so

that the Bookmark indicator flashes 3 times. Then press the Jog

lever to play.
DIGITAL PITCH CONTROL: speeds up or slows down the playback

without the usual distortion associated with speed ch anges.

DIRECTIONAL MIC FUNCTION: available on the ICD-ST10 in the

the SP and LP modes, the recording field is narrowed to 45

degrees to either side of the unit when activated. The purpose is

to minimize sounds coming from the sides and focusing on the

source in front of the recorder.

DISPLAY: enables the LCD screen to display different information for the
user.

-Current Time (In Military time)

-Current Date: Month/ Day/ Year

-Length of the dictation in H/M/S (hours, min, sec) while
recording

-Overall recording time remaining on the digital recorder
in H/M/S

-REMAIN TIME-

IN PLAYBACK:

Time left for the playback to be completed
before the end of the recording. At the end of the
playback the word END will be displayed on the
LCD.

IN RECORD:
Shows the total amount of recording time left in
H/M/S

-ELAPSE TIME- shows the elapsed time of the current
recording which is being played back. At the end of
the playback the word END will be displayed on the
LCD.

DIVIDE: enables the user to add an index mark anywhere in the dictation
dividing the recording into two separate documents. This enables
the author to add recording to the first part of the dictation without
changing any of the original recording or to delete a segment of
the dictation.

EJECT: to eject the Memory stick from the recorder
ERASE: press and hold until the word ERASE appears in the

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LCD screen and you will hear some of the dictation repeated
over and over again. To erase this dictation press the ERASE
button again. If you do not wish to erase the dictation, press
the STOP button.

To erase all the dictation in a Folder, press the ERASE button
and the STOP button at the same time and the phrase ERASE
ALL will appear on the LCD screen. Press the ERASE button
again and all the dictations in that Folder will be erased.

FOLDER: changes the Dictation Folder from A to B
HOLD: makes all buttons and controls inactive preventing accidental

operation.
INDEX: allows recordings to be divided into multiple parts or combined

into fewer dictations by adding or removing index marks.
JOG LEVER (MULTI-FUNCTION CONTROL):

Push In: push in to play the dictation and push in while playing to
stop the playback. If you press it again the playback will
continue from where you stopped.
Push Down or Up while the recorder is stopped to select a
different recording for playback.
Hold Down in playback will rapidly rewind the dictation.
Hold Up in playback will rapidly advance the dictation
Push to the Right will reveal the Menu options
Push to the Left will change folders

MENU Button:
Allows the user to set and change the various settings on the
digital voice recorder.

NOTE: all options listed below are not available on all of the

digital voice recorders. Please review the chart in this
guide.